UEFA today announced Rangers' UEFA Cup tie against Anzhi Makhachkala will be decided with a one-off match at a neutral venue on September 27 following safety fears over playing in Dagestan.

European football's governing body had previously insisted that the away leg of the first-round tie must go ahead in the war-torn Russian republic.

But in the wake of reports of fresh fighting in the border area between Chechnya and Dagestan and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, UEFA decided to make alternative arrangements.

UEFA chief executive Gerhard Aigner said: "We have continued to closely monitor the security situation in the region which has clearly deteriorated over the last 24 hours.

"In addition, we have now been informed that the insurance cover for Rangers has been withdrawn.

"In light of these developments, and to be fair to both the clubs concerned, we have decided that this match should be played as a single tie at a neutral venue on Thursday, September 27."

Rangers had refused to travel to Makhachkala because they believed that despite Russian promises of 100% security, the city was not safe and the Foreign Office also strongly advise against anyone travelling to the region.

The Muslim area has been the scene of terrorist bombings since the first round draw was made and the fighting in neighbouring Chechnya is little over a 100 miles away.

Chechen rebels are reported to have shot down a Russian Army helicopter, killing 10 senior officers including a general.

"UEFA have a responsibility to all of the clubs and territories involved in our competitions and a duty to protect the draw and the rules of the competition," continued Aigner.

"We also have a duty to ensure that participants can play safely and securely.

"Throughout this process we have taken independent advice and guidance, closely monitored all relevant developments and continued to speak with those who have raised concerns.

"Our approach has been endorsed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and we have to ensure that precedents are not set which may then be open to abuse.

"In this case the balance has shifted over the last 24 hours due to a changing security and insurance situation and we believe it is in the interest of the clubs and the competition that the match now be rescheduled."

Rangers could have been expelled from the tournament if they had failed to fulfil a fixture which was postponed last week in the wake of the American terrorist atrocities.